Sphaeralcea ambigua
A. Gray
Apricot Mallow
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Description
Sphaeralcea ambigua is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
Desert globemallow is a showy perennial of the arid Southwest, widely recognized for its globe-shaped flowers in shades of orange, pink, or purple. While historical references suggest that Native Americans sometimes ate the seeds, immature fruits, or chewed the mucilaginous stems, globemallows are best considered a marginal or questionable wild food. The seeds and immature fruits were reportedly eaten by the Hopi and Pueblo peoples, and archaeological evidence suggests seeds were occasionally gathered. However, the seeds have a bitter, unpleasant flavor, difficult-to-remove shells, and the dust from processing can irritate the eyes and lungs. Cooking does little to improve them, so they are not a practical food source.The flowers, though rarely mentioned as edible, are the most promising part. Their petals, stamens, and pistils are free of irritating hairs and provide a fleeting sweetness and splash of color to salads. The texture, however, is slimy due to high mucilage content. Gathering a usable supply requires effort, since stalks and sepals must be discarded to avoid irritation.
Medicinal Uses
A decoction of the root is used to treat an upset stomach. An infusion of the root is taken as a means of birth control. A poultice of the mashed root is used to treat swollen feet. A decoction of the root, or the whole plant, is used as an emetic and in the treatment of venereal diseases. A poultice of the wilted plant is applied to rheumatic and swollen areas. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of colds. A decoction of the leaves is used as an eye wash. Sphaeralcea species are good sources of mucilage in the form of mucopolysaccharide starches. This has been shown to stimulate macrophage activity and help promote healing and resistance, especially in the skin, upper intestinal tract, urinary tract and lungs. The whole plant is demulcent and emollient. Taken internally, it can be used to soothe sore throats and irritations along the digestive tract, urinary tract etc. Applied externally, it can be used to soothe and promote healing of cuts, burns, wounds etc.
Known Hazards
All parts of globemallows are covered in fine hairs that can be irritating, especially to eyes and lungs. Only carefully prepared flowers should be considered for casual use..
Distribution
Southwestern N. America - California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona
Where It Grows
Native to: Arizona, California, Mexico Northwest, Nevada, Utah.
Cultivation
Sphaeralcea species from western N. America are generally species of warm, dry and very freely draining habitats. It grows primarily in the desert or dry shrubland biome. They are often tolerant of very low winter temperatures but, like many species with downy leaves, they are not very tolerant of winter wet and will often fail to overwinter in mild but wet winter areas. Species in this genus generally require a warm, sunny position in a moderately fertile, freely-draining soil. USDA Hardiness Zone: 6–9 (adapted to hot, dry desert climates). Weed Potential: Desert globemallow is not generally considered invasive, but it is abundant and widespread in the desert Southwest. Its ability to thrive in disturbed soils and spread readily makes it a persistent native rather than a problem weed.
Propagation
Seed - it has a hard seed coat and benefits from either autumn sowing or scarification of stored seed. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing. Softwood cuttings in a frame in early summer. Division.
Other Uses
The plant is a rich source of mucilage. An infusion is often used as a hair rinse after shampooing, when it is said to give the hair body. A strong infusion will curl the hair if it is not rinsed out. The whole plant is boiled, then added to red clay (liquid only?) and used to make cups.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Desert Globemallow
